Mark Turns 8

Mark 8, Matthew 6

Brothers

Josh & Matthew jumping nicely with Elizabeth

Now Bry & Grammy jump with Elizabeth



Auntie Kim & Papa

Make a wish!

Some Unexpected Visitors

Who also took a swim in Elizabeth's pool.  I think they're tame as they didn't run away when we came out of the house to take their picture. Gave them some cracked corn and showed them the pond.

Dinner with the Maki's

 These are the best two of the MANY photos I took of these three. They know how to smile and say "cheese", but not how to hold still & all look at the camera at the same time.  Oh well, they'll be grown up all too soon & we'll miss the goofy, blurry toddler shots.

Words of Wisdom Re: Watermelon

Kelly used to say that the best watermelon has a "crack it it". I believe her Dad also said the sweetest part of the melon is the curly Q the crack sometimes makes.  So, those are the words of wisdom for the day: when buying a 1/2 watermelon, look for the cracked one.  They're sweet.

Do NOT Let Kids Eat in Cars!

It happened again.  A friend of a friend of a friend's story:
2 grandparents took their 6 grandkids on a car trip.  The kiddos wanted to snack on marshmallows, the youngest being 2 years old.  By the time they got to their destination, one of the older kids noticed the 2 year old wasn't waking up from his "nap".  He had choked on a marshmallow and died.  PLEASE, don't let your kids eat in cars!  By the time you notice that they're choking and pull over, it may just be too late.  I'd rather hear them scream all the way home that they're hungry than to never hear their voice ever again.

Naughty Del Monte

I didn't think I had to read EVERY label before buying an item, but I was proven wrong.  Del Monte has anchovies in it.  Anyone need 3 cans of sloppy joe mix?

Del Monte: You've just reinforced my bonds with Manwich.

Jax Peters Lowell Quote

"A good parent keeps her child from danger, no matter the cost.  We are human shields: a stray peanut may as well be a bullet.  But we can't keep our children from disappointment, nor should we try.  Difficulty is what stiffens the spine.  It's what allows us to grow & be flexible and becomes creative, realistic adults.  And it is often the motivation for real chievement.  How can we keep our children from that?  Relax. Breathe."

Jump!